Overview
What are overdose prevention centers (OPCs), also known as supervised consumption services (SCS)?
Overdose prevention centers (OPCs) are designated sites where people can use drugs under the safety and supervision of trained personnel. Over 100 sites exist in 67 cities in eleven countries around the world. After 30 years of operations, OPCs have demonstrated to: Prevent overdose, HIV and hepatitis C transmission, injection-related infection, and public disposal of syringes. OPCs promote engagement and referrals to other support services, including housing placement and drug treatment. Contrary to popular belief, they do not increase drug use, crime, or bring drug use into communities. And they save millions of dollars a year.
OPCs? SCS? SIF? DCR?
Overdose prevention centers go by other names that may or may not have differences in their operations…